The elemental or plant spirit, of the pumpkin gourd many attributes, associations and powers. Samael Aun Weor in his book Igneous Rose says that the pumpkin gourd is related with the illuminated, or Christ, mind, with the processes of the biblical prophet Jonah, and with repentance.
This elemental also has a certain power over the multitudes, in the same way that the gourd plant spreads its vines, the power of this elemental can spread the impulse to connect with Christ.
The Mind and Repentance
The pumpkin is related with the mind, as it’s round hollow structure is similar to the cranium. This elemental, has influence over the people, over the mind of people, and when worked with can inspire repentance.
Repentance comes from the Greek metanoia, “change of mind”. Repentance means to change or renew the mind, to renounce the compulsions of the ego and be receptive to the higher influences of the Being.
The Prophet Jonah
Jonah is a significant Old Testament character for many reasons. In particular because his three days and three nights in the belly of the whale foreshadowed the three days of Jesus Christ in his tomb before the resurrection.
The whale swims in our waters of life, and can be a great beast that brings us to spiritual death, or a force that facilitates our own repentance and resurrection.
When working with the pumpkin gourd we can reflect on the state of our own mind, our relationship to “change of mind”, and the processes of death and resurrection.
Practice with the Pumpkin Elemental
Working with the pumpkin elemental requires a pumpkin or other edible winter gourd to place on the altar. The ceremony involves reading passages from the Book of Jonah and reflecting on all the parts of the story: Jonah’s initial rejection of preaching in Ninevah, his attempted escape on a boat, his journey under the water and into the belly of the whale, getting vomited onto the land, and taking refuge under the gourd plant and repenting by going to preach in Ninevah.
There is an opportunity to meditate on the elemental of the pumpkin using the mantra “KA” and to work with the power of repentance, the door which is always open. This ceremony stirs the interior essence to enter into the Christic path.
This is also an opportunity to reflect on the Christified mind, the mind that is not corrupted by mechanical thinking, but is a vehicle for God’s will and God’s wisdom. During the practice the pumpkin is being cooked and at the end is consumed with reverence and attention.
The full practice is in the book Igneous Rose by Samael Aun Weor.